In a significant move, President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan has dissolved key government institutions, removing the five vice presidents and national ministers from their portfolios. This decision was announced in a Republican order issued on Tuesday, September 22, as the country enters the final three months before the scheduled December 22 elections. The order effectively removes First Vice President Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, Vice President James Wani Igga, Vice President Taban Deng Gai, Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, and Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol from office.
The dissolution of the government follows amendments to the National Elections Act, signed by President Kiir on Monday, which provides for changes to transitional institutions during the period preceding the elections. The president will remain in office until an elected president assumes power. The Republican order also relieves national ministers and deputy ministers of their duties, but national ministries will continue operating under caretaker arrangements to ensure government services continue during the political transition.
To maintain government operations, President Kiir has established caretaker arrangements. Caretaker ministers will oversee key portfolios, including foreign affairs, defense, interior, justice, finance, petroleum, and national security. Other ministries will continue operating under their respective undersecretaries. The arrangement aims to ensure public services, public order, and administrative continuity during the transition.
The changes also affect the legislative and executive branches of government. The Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States have been dissolved, marking the end of the country's transitional national legislature as the election period begins. State legislative assemblies have similarly been dissolved, and state governments have been dissolved, with governors and other political appointees relieved of their duties.
The dissolution of government institutions reaches down to the county level, where commissioners have been relieved of their political and policy responsibilities. However, outgoing commissioners may continue performing essential duties until interim commissioners take over. Their responsibilities include maintaining public services, public order, and administrative continuity.
Caretaker governors have been appointed to administer the states until elected authorities assume office. Similarly, caretaker chief administrators have been appointed in three administrative areas to oversee the administrative areas during the transition. These caretaker officials are required to remain politically neutral and operate within the Constitution and applicable laws.
The caretaker arrangements will remain in place until elected authorities assume office following the December elections. This move is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition of power and maintaining stability in the country during the election period. The president's decision to dissolve the government and establish caretaker arrangements is a significant step towards the country's transition to a new leadership.
Key points
- President Salva Kiir dissolves government institutions ahead of December elections.
- Caretaker arrangements established to maintain government operations during transition.
- The dissolution affects the legislative and executive branches of government, including state and local levels.
